Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier does not need a lot of exercise so they can do well in an apartment. They make a good watch dog but can be a barker. They do not do well with other dogs and pets. They may accept older children if they have been extensively socialized early. They can tend to be a bit aloof with their human family although individuals will vary. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Skye Terrier is 9 to 10 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 19 to 23 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Skye Terrier is no exception. Although considered a very healthy breed, be on the look out for colitis and bowel irritations and hypoplasia of the larynx. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Skye Terrier has a double coat. The undercoat is wooly, short and close to the skin. The outer coat is long, hard, straight and 5 inches or longer. She will need professional grooming. She should also be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Skye Terrier can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Skye Terrier comes from Scotland where they were used as companions and to control vermin. They also hunted weasel, fox and badger. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1887.

Some Registries:
* Skye Terrier Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Makes a good watch dog.
Does not need a lot of exercise.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Makes a poor guard dog.
Can be aloof even to her family
They like to bark

*Other Names Known By: Terrier of the Western Isles

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com. www.petpages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info. Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.